1.Structure and Function of GPR126/ADGRG6
Ting-Ting WU ; Si-Qi JIA ; Shu-Zhu CAO ; De-Xin ZHU ; Guo-Chao TANG ; Zhi-Hua SUN ; Xing-Mei DENG ; Hui ZHANG
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2025;52(2):299-309
GPR126, also known as ADGRG6, is one of the most deeply studied aGPCRs. Initially, GPR126 was thought to be a receptor associated with muscle development and was primarily expressed in the muscular and skeletal systems. With the deepening of research, it was found that GPR126 is expressed in multiple mammalian tissues and organs, and is involved in many biological processes such as embryonic development, nervous system development, and extracellular matrix interactions. Compared with other aGPCRs proteins, GPR126 has a longer N-terminal domain, which can bind to ligands one-to-one and one-to-many. Its N-terminus contains five domains, a CUB (complement C1r/C1s, Uegf, Bmp1) domain, a PTX (Pentraxin) domain, a SEA (Sperm protein, Enterokinase, and Agrin) domain, a hormone binding (HormR) domain, and a conserved GAIN domain. The GAIN domain has a self-shearing function, which is essential for the maturation, stability, transport and function of aGPCRs. Different SEA domains constitute different GPR126 isomers, which can regulate the activation and closure of downstream signaling pathways through conformational changes. GPR126 has a typical aGPCRs seven-transmembrane helical structure, which can be coupled to Gs and Gi, causing cAMP to up- or down-regulation, mediating transmembrane signaling and participating in the regulation of cell proliferation, differentiation and migration. GPR126 is activated in a tethered-stalk peptide agonism or orthosteric agonism, which is mainly manifested by self-proteolysis or conformational changes in the GAIN domain, which mediates the rapid activation or closure of downstream pathways by tethered agonists. In addition to the tethered short stem peptide activation mode, GPR126 also has another allosteric agonism or tunable agonism mode, which is specifically expressed as the GAIN domain does not have self-shearing function in the physiological state, NTF and CTF always maintain the binding state, and the NTF binds to the ligand to cause conformational changes of the receptor, which somehow transmits signals to the GAIN domain in a spatial structure. The GAIN domain can cause the 7TM domain to produce an activated or inhibited signal for signal transduction, For example, type IV collagen interacts with the CUB and PTX domains of GPR126 to activate GPR126 downstream signal transduction. GPR126 has homology of 51.6%-86.9% among different species, with 10 conserved regions between different species, which can be traced back to the oldest metazoans as well as unicellular animals.In terms of diseases, GPR126 dysfunction involves the pathological process of bone, myelin, embryo and other related diseases, and is also closely related to the occurrence and development of malignant tumors such as breast cancer and colon cancer. However, the biological function of GPR126 in various diseases and its potential as a therapeutic target still needs further research. This paper focuses on the structure, interspecies differences and conservatism, signal transduction and biological functions of GPR126, which provides ideas and references for future research on GPR126.
2.The neurophysiological mechanisms of exercise-induced improvements in cognitive function.
Jian-Xiu LIU ; Bai-Le WU ; Di-Zhi WANG ; Xing-Tian LI ; Yan-Wei YOU ; Lei-Zi MIN ; Xin-Dong MA
Acta Physiologica Sinica 2025;77(3):504-522
The neurophysiological mechanisms by which exercise improves cognitive function have not been fully elucidated. A comprehensive and systematic review of current domestic and international neurophysiological evidence on exercise improving cognitive function was conducted from multiple perspectives. At the molecular level, exercise promotes nerve cell regeneration and synaptogenesis and maintains cellular development and homeostasis through the modulation of a variety of neurotrophic factors, receptor activity, neuropeptides, and monoamine neurotransmitters, and by decreasing the levels of inflammatory factors and other modulators of neuroplasticity. At the cellular level, exercise enhances neural activation and control and improves brain structure through nerve regeneration, synaptogenesis, improved glial cell function and angiogenesis. At the structural level of the brain, exercise promotes cognitive function by affecting white and gray matter volumes, neural activation and brain region connectivity, as well as increasing cerebral blood flow. This review elucidates how exercise improves the internal environment at the molecular level, promotes cell regeneration and functional differentiation, and enhances the brain structure and neural efficiency. It provides a comprehensive, multi-dimensional explanation of the neurophysiological mechanisms through which exercise promotes cognitive function.
Animals
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Humans
;
Brain/physiology*
;
Cognition/physiology*
;
Exercise/physiology*
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Nerve Regeneration/physiology*
;
Neuronal Plasticity/physiology*
3.Clinical analysis of 6 cases of diffuse panbronchiolitis in children.
Li-Xin DENG ; De-Hui CHEN ; Yu-Neng LIN ; Shang-Zhi WU ; Jia-Xing XU ; Zhan-Hang HUANG ; Ying-Ying GU ; Jun-Xiang FENG
Chinese Journal of Contemporary Pediatrics 2025;27(3):334-339
OBJECTIVES:
To analyze the clinical characteristics of diffuse panbronchiolitis (DPB) in children and to enhance the clinical diagnosis and treatment of this disease.
METHODS:
A retrospective analysis was conducted on the clinical data of 6 children diagnosed with DPB who were hospitalized at The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University from January 2011 to December 2019.
RESULTS:
Among the 6 patients, there were 2 males and 4 females; the age at diagnosis ranged from 7 to 12 years. All patients presented with cough, sputum production, and exertional dyspnea, and all had a history of sinusitis. Two cases showed positive serum cold agglutinin tests, and 5 cases exhibited pathological changes consistent with chronic bronchiolitis. High-resolution chest CT in all patients revealed centrilobular nodules diffusely distributed throughout both lungs with a tree-in-bud appearance. Five patients received low-dose azithromycin maintenance therapy, but 3 showed inadequate treatment response. After empirical anti-tuberculosis treatment, non-tuberculous Mycobacteria were found in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid. Follow-up over 2 years showed 1 case cured, 3 cases significantly improved, and 2 cases partially improved.
CONCLUSIONS
The clinical presentation of DPB is non-specific and can easily lead to misdiagnosis. In cases where DPB is clinically diagnosed but does not show improvement with low-dose azithromycin treatment, special infections should be considered.
Humans
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Male
;
Female
;
Bronchiolitis/drug therapy*
;
Retrospective Studies
;
Child
;
Haemophilus Infections/diagnosis*
4.Medical researchers' knowledge and attitudes toward electronic informed consent in clinical research.
Xin TAN ; Ying WU ; Yuqiong ZHONG ; Xing LIU ; Xiaomin WANG
Journal of Central South University(Medical Sciences) 2025;50(2):290-300
OBJECTIVES:
Obtaining informed consent from research participants is an ethical and legal obligation for medical researchers in clinical studies. Electronic informed consent (eIC) is increasingly being adopted in clinical research worldwide. However, there is limited data on Chinese medical researchers' knowledge and attitudes toward eIC. This study aims to investigate their knowledge, attitudes, and influencing factors regarding eIC use in clinical research.
METHODS:
This cross-sectional study was conducted using stratified random sampling. From June to August 2022, medical researchers from 8 tertiary hospitals were surveyed via an online platform (Wenjuanxing). A self-developed eIC knowledge questionnaire and attitude scale were used to assess participants' understanding and perceptions of eIC. Univariate analysis was employed to explore factors influencing attitude scores and the correlation between knowledge and attitudes. A generalized linear model was used to analyze associations between demographic characteristics and attitude scores, including the frequency of difficulties in using smartphones or computers, preferred device for using eIC, and their interaction effects. Stratified analysis was further performed for significant interactions.
RESULTS:
A total of 399 valid questionnaires were collected. The mean accuracy rate on the eIC knowledge questionnaire was (94.88±15.50)%. Of the respondents, 74.9% had heard of eIC, and 84.5% preferred using mobile devices over computers to access eIC. The median attitude score was 3.41 (3.18, 3.76), indicating generally positive attitudes. Specifically, 81.7% found eIC more convenient than paper-based consent, 79.7% considered it more efficient, and 51.1% believed it could fully replace paper forms. However, 60.7% expressed concerns about data security and privacy, and 89.7% believed that relevant laws and regulations need improvement. Spearman correlation analysis showed a weak positive correlation between knowledge and attitude scores (r=0.171, P=0.001). Univariate analysis indicated that the frequency of difficulty using devices and preferred device for eIC were significantly associated with attitude scores (P<0.05). After adjusting for confounding factors, the generalized linear model demonstrated that participants who occasionally experienced had difficulty using devices had significantly lower attitude scores compared to those who never had difficulty (β=-0.040, 95% CI -0.071 to -0.009, P=0.012). Those who preferred using PCs had significantly lower attitude scores than those who preferred mobile devices (β=-0.066, 95% CI -0.108 to -0.023, P=0.002). Interaction analysis showed a significant interaction analysis showed a significant interaction between age and preferred device (P=0.011), particularly among participants aged ≥45-year (P<0.001). No other interactions were found to be significant (all P>0.05).
CONCLUSIONS
Medical researchers in China generally have a high level of knowledge and positive attitudes toward eIC, though concerns remain regarding data security and privacy. Future promotion of eIC in Chinese clinical research should be grounded in ethical considerations and address the specific needs of older users and mobile device users, while also enhancing researchers' competencies in using digital tools and eIC systems.
Humans
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Cross-Sectional Studies
;
Informed Consent
;
Surveys and Questionnaires
;
Female
;
Male
;
Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice
;
Adult
;
Biomedical Research
;
Research Personnel/psychology*
;
Middle Aged
;
China
5.Hippocampal Extracellular Matrix Protein Laminin β1 Regulates Neuropathic Pain and Pain-Related Cognitive Impairment.
Ying-Chun LI ; Pei-Yang LIU ; Hai-Tao LI ; Shuai WANG ; Yun-Xin SHI ; Zhen-Zhen LI ; Wen-Guang CHU ; Xia LI ; Wan-Neng LIU ; Xing-Xing ZHENG ; Fei WANG ; Wen-Juan HAN ; Jie ZHANG ; Sheng-Xi WU ; Rou-Gang XIE ; Ceng LUO
Neuroscience Bulletin 2025;41(12):2127-2147
Patients suffering from nerve injury often experience exacerbated pain responses and complain of memory deficits. The dorsal hippocampus (dHPC), a well-defined region responsible for learning and memory, displays maladaptive plasticity upon injury, which is assumed to underlie pain hypersensitivity and cognitive deficits. However, much attention has thus far been paid to intracellular mechanisms of plasticity rather than extracellular alterations that might trigger and facilitate intracellular changes. Emerging evidence has shown that nerve injury alters the microarchitecture of the extracellular matrix (ECM) and decreases ECM rigidity in the dHPC. Despite this, it remains elusive which element of the ECM in the dHPC is affected and how it contributes to neuropathic pain and comorbid cognitive deficits. Laminin, a key element of the ECM, consists of α-, β-, and γ-chains and has been implicated in several pathophysiological processes. Here, we showed that peripheral nerve injury downregulates laminin β1 (LAMB1) in the dHPC. Silencing of hippocampal LAMB1 exacerbates pain sensitivity and induces cognitive dysfunction. Further mechanistic analysis revealed that loss of hippocampal LAMB1 causes dysregulated Src/NR2A signaling cascades via interaction with integrin β1, leading to decreased Ca2+ levels in pyramidal neurons, which in turn orchestrates structural and functional plasticity and eventually results in exaggerated pain responses and cognitive deficits. In this study, we shed new light on the functional capability of hippocampal ECM LAMB1 in the modulation of neuropathic pain and comorbid cognitive deficits, and reveal a mechanism that conveys extracellular alterations to intracellular plasticity. Moreover, we identified hippocampal LAMB1/integrin β1 signaling as a potential therapeutic target for the treatment of neuropathic pain and related memory loss.
Animals
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Laminin/genetics*
;
Hippocampus/metabolism*
;
Neuralgia/metabolism*
;
Cognitive Dysfunction/etiology*
;
Male
;
Peripheral Nerve Injuries/metabolism*
;
Extracellular Matrix/metabolism*
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Integrin beta1/metabolism*
;
Pyramidal Cells/metabolism*
;
Signal Transduction
6.Environmental Temperature and the Risk of Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease Transmission in the Yangtze River Region of China.
Yan Qing YANG ; Min CHEN ; Jin LI ; Kai Qi LIU ; Xue Yan GUO ; Xin XU ; Qian LIANG ; Xing Lu WU ; Su Wen LEI ; Jing LI
Biomedical and Environmental Sciences 2025;38(3):290-302
OBJECTIVE:
To assess health equity in the Yangtze River region to improve understanding of the correlation between hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD) and socioeconomic factors.
METHODS:
From 2014-2016, data on HFMD incidence, population statistics, economic indicators, and meteorology from 26 cities along the Yangtze River were analyzed. A multi-city random-effects meta-analysis was performed to study the relationship between temperature and HFMD transmission, and health equity was assessed with respect to socio-economic impact.
RESULTS:
Over the study period, 919,458 HFMD cases were reported, with Shanghai (162,303) having the highest incidence and Tongling (5,513) having the lowest. Males were more commonly affected (male-to-female ratio, 1.49:1). The exposure-response relationship had an M-shaped curve, with two HFMD peaks occurring at 4 °C and 26 °C. The relative risk had two peaks at 1.30 °C (1.834, 95% CI: 1.204-2.794) and 31.4 °C (1.143, 95% CI: 0.901-1.451), forming an M shape, with the first peak higher than the second. The most significant impact of temperature on HFMD was observed between -2 °C and 18.1 °C. The concentration index (0.2463) indicated moderate concentration differences, whereas the Theil index (0.0418) showed low inequality in distribution.
CONCLUSION
The incidence of HFMD varied across cities, particularly with changes in temperature. Economically prosperous areas showed higher risks, indicating disparities. Targeted interventions in these areas are crucial for mitigating the risk of HFMD.
Female
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Humans
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Male
;
China/epidemiology*
;
Cities/epidemiology*
;
Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease/transmission*
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Incidence
;
Risk Factors
;
Temperature
7.Study on the association of diet pattern with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in population aged 40 years and above in Songjiang District, Shanghai
Xinyue PANG ; Jianguo YU ; Xin YIN ; Zhongxing SUN ; Xing LIU ; Jing LI ; Yiling WU ; Qi ZHAO ; Yonggen JIANG ; Genming ZHAO ; Na WANG ; Qingwu JIANG
Chinese Journal of Epidemiology 2024;45(12):1649-1657
Objective:To explore the incidence of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in a cohort aged 40 years and above in Songjiang District, Shanghai, and to analyze the association of Mediterranean diet pattern and dietary approaches in stopping hypertension pattern (DASH) with the risk of developing COPD.Methods:Based on a natural population cohort in Songjiang District, Shanghai, 27 474 adults aged 40 years and above who did not have COPD at baseline were enrolled in the study. The Cox proportional risk regression model was used to analyze the association of baseline Mediterranean diet pattern score and DASH score with the risk of COPD, and the hazard ratio ( HR) of the risk and its 95% CI were calculated. Restricted cubic spline was used to analyze the nonlinear association between the two diet scores and the risk of COPD. Stratified analyses were performed according to gender, age, smoking status, etcetera. Sensitivity analyses were conducted by censoring cases diagnosed within one year after the baseline survey or people with a history of malignant tumor disease. Results:As of June 30, 2023, after a median follow-up time of 6.21 years, there were 1 089 (4.0%) new COPD cases with an incidence density of 64.00 per 10 000 person-years. After adjusting for relevant confounders, in the Mediterranean tertile subgroups under diet pattern score, the risk of developing COPD could be reduced by approximately 14% in the intermediate scoring group ( HR=0.86, 95% CI: 0.75-0.99) and 15% in the highest scoring group ( HR=0.85, 95% CI: 0.72-0.99) compared to the lowest scoring group. The association remained after censoring cases diagnosed within one year of the baseline survey ( HR=0.82, 95% CI: 0.70-0.95; HR=0.82, 95% CI: 0.68-0.97) or censoring people with a history of malignant tumor disease ( HR=0.84, 95% CI: 0.73-0.97; HR=0.84, 95% CI: 0.71-0.99). No statistical association was found between the DASH score and the risk of COPD. Conclusions:The Mediterranean diet pattern was associated with a lower risk of COPD. Increasing the intake of vegetables, fruits, legumes, and whole grains and decreasing the intake of red meat and others can reduce the risk of COPD. No association was found between the DASH dietary pattern and the risk of COPD in this community population.
8.Establishing reference ranges of serum vitamin K in healthy children
Yuqing CHEN ; Shuanfeng FANG ; Xing LIU ; Yujun CHEN ; Xin FAN ; Yanping CHEN ; Liming LIU ; Yan LI ; Qianqi LIU ; Jinzhun WU ; Qiling HUANG ; Fang WANG ; Dong BAI ; Chunhua JIN
Chinese Journal of Pediatrics 2024;62(9):847-852
Objective:To establish and validate reference intervals of serum vitamin K for healthy children in China.Methods:A cross-sectional study was conducted from January 2020 to May 2023, involving 807 healthy children aged 0 to 14 years, selected by stratified random sampling based on the population distribution of children in eastern, central, western, and northeastern China. Sample collection was carried out in 16 hospitals across 12 provinces, autonomous regions, and municipalities. Basic information of the children was collected using a standardized self-design questionnaire. Serum levels of vitamin K 1 and vitamin K 2 (menaquinone-4 (MK-4), menaquinone-7 (MK-7)) were measured using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. The reference intervals was established by direct approach. The children were divided into different groups by age. Inter-group comparisons were conducted using the Kruskal-Wallis non-parametric test, and the reference intervals ( P2.5- P97.5) were determined using non-parametric methods. Screening 40 healthy children for small sample validation based on age groups within the reference range(25 from eastern, 10 from central, and 5 from western regions). Results:The age of the 807 children was 5.00 (2.00, 9.81) years, and 495 (61.3%) were males and 312 (38.7%) females. Reference intervals were established for 795 children, of whom 303 children were aged 1 month to 3 years and 492 were aged 4 to 14 years. The reference intervals for serum vitamin K 1 were 0.09-4.54 μg/L for children aged 1 month to 3 years, and 0.10-1.73 μg/L for 4-14 years. For MK-7, the intervals were 0.07-1.42 μg/L for 1 month to 3 years and 0.19-2.03 μg/L for 4-14 years. The reference intervals for MK-4 in children aged 1 month to 14 years were 0-0.42 μg/L. The measured values of serum vitamin K 1, MK-4, and MK-7 in the validation samples did not exceed the reference limit in more than 2 samples. Conclusion:Reference intervals for vitamin K 1, MK-4, and MK-7 in healthy children aged 1 month to 14 years have been established and validated, and can be used to assess vitamin K nutritional status in children.
9.Clinical Observation on Therapeutic Effect of Huatan Jieyu Anshen Decoction Combined with Abdominal Vibration Tuina Manipulations on Chronic Insomnia in the Elderly
Pei FAN ; Xiao YANG ; Yue-Xing LI ; Yan-Kun REN ; Yu-Xin YUAN ; Qing-Min WU
Journal of Guangzhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2024;41(4):840-847
Objective To investigate the therapeutic effect of Huatan Jieyu Anshen Decoction(mainly with the actions of resolving phlegm,relieving depression and calming mind)combined with abdominal vibration tuina manipulations on chronic insomnia in the elderly.Methods Ninety-four cases of elderly patients with chronic insomnia of phlegm-heat harassing the interior type were randomly divided into the observation group and the control group,with 47 cases in each group.The control group was given Huatan Jieyu Anshen Decoction orally,while the observation group was given oral use of Huatan Jieyu Anshen Decoction combined with abdominal vibration tuina manipulations.The course of treatment for the two groups lasted for 4 weeks.Before and after the treatment,the two groups were observed in the changes of traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)syndrome scores,Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index(PSQI)score,Athens Insomnia Scale(AIS)score,Fatigue Scale-14(FS-14)score,World Health Organization Quality-of-Life Brief Scale(WHOQOL-BREF)score,and the serum levels of melatonin(MT),dopamine(DA),and cortisol(CORT).After treatment,the clinical efficacy of the two groups was evaluated.Results(1)After 4 weeks of treatment,the total effective rate of the observation group was 97.88%(46/47),while that of the control group was 87.23%(41/47),and the intergroup comparison(tested by chi-square test)showed that the therapeutic efficacy of the observation group was superior to that of the control group(P<0.01).(2)After treatment,the scores of primary and secondary TCM symptoms in the two groups were significantly decreased compared with those before treatment(P<0.05),and the decrease of the scores of primary and secondary TCM symptoms in the observation group was significantly superior to that in the control group(P<0.01).(3)After treatment,the PSQI scores,AIS scores,and FS-14 scores in the two groups were significantly decreased compared with those before treatment(P<0.05),and the WHOQOL-BREF scores were significantly increased compared with those before treatment(P<0.05).The decrease of the PSQI scores,AIS scores and FS-14 scores as well as the increase of the WHOQOL-BREF scores in the observation group was significantly superior to that in the control group(P<0.01).(4)After treatment,the serum MT level of both groups was significantly higher than that before treatment(P<0.05),and the serum DA and CORT levels were significantly lower than those before treatment(P<0.05).The increase in serum MT level and the decrease in serum DA and CORT levels of the observation group were significantly superior to those of the control group(P<0.01).Conclusion The combined therapy of Huatan Jieyu Anshen Decoction combined with vibration tuina manipulations can achieve satisfactory efficacy in the elderly patients with chronic insomnia of phlegm-heat harassing the interior syndrome.The therapy is effective on regulating the central nervous system of the patients,improving the quality of the sleep,and promoting the relief of fatigue and the enhancement of the quality of life,which has great significance to the enhancement of the overall therapeutic efficacy of insomnia.
10.Research status of quercetin-mediated MAPK signaling pathway in prevention and treatment of osteoporosis
Ke-Xin YUAN ; Xing-Wen XIE ; Ding-Peng LI ; Yi-Sheng JING ; Wei-Wei HUANG ; Xue-Tao WANG ; Hao-Dong YANG ; Wen YAN ; Yong-Wu MA
The Chinese Journal of Clinical Pharmacology 2024;40(9):1375-1379
Quercetin can mediate the activation of mitogen-activated protein kinase(MAPK)signaling pathways to prevent osteoporosis(OP).This paper comprehensively discusses the interrelationship between MAPK and osteoporosis-related cells based on the latest domestic and international research.Additionally,it elucidates the research progress of quercetin in mediating the MAPK signaling pathway for OP prevention.The aim is to provide an effective foundation for the clinical prevention and treatment of OP and the in-depth development of quercetin.

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